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Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track

Tomaree National Park

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Visitor info

All the practical information you need to know about Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track.

Track grading

Grade 3

Learn more about the grading system

Features of this track

Distance

5km one-way

Time

1hr 30min - 2hrs 30min

Quality of markings

Clearly sign posted

Experience required

No experience required

Gradient

Gentle hills

Steps

Occasional steps

Quality of path

Formed track, some obstacles

Getting there and parking

Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track is in Tomaree National Park.

To get to the Shoal Bay start point:

  • Take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east into Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road
  • From Nelson Bay, follow Shoal Bay Road to the lower Zenith Beach carpark.

Free all-day parking is available at the base of the track, and along Shoal Bay Road. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer. 

To get to the Fingal Bay start point:

  • take the Pacific Highway from Newcastle or Buladelah, turn east into Richardson Road and continue along Nelson Bay Road
  • from Nelson Bay, follow Shoal Bay Road 
  • turn right on Government Road which turns left slightly and becomes Sylvia Road
  • continue on Marine Drive until you reach the car park at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club.

Road quality

  • Sealed roads

Vehicle access

  • 2WD vehicles

Weather restrictions

  • All weather

Parking

At Shoal Bay, free all-day parking is available along Shoal Bay Road and at the lower Zenith Beach carpark or upper Zenith beach carpark. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.

Parking is available at Fingal Bay along Marine Drive or at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.

By public transport

You could also catch a taxi or a bus from your location to the base of Tomaree Head Summit.

Port Stephens Coaches run buses to Shoal Bay and Anna Bay. Route 130 stops at many locations along this walk including Shoal Bay, Nelson Bay, Fingal Bay, One Mile Beach, Boat Harbour, Birubi Point and Anna Bay.

Visit the Transport for NSW website for trip planning.

Facilities

Toilets

Public toilets are available along this walk at: Shoal Bay Road, or behind Fingal Bay surf life saving club

  • Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Picnic tables are located at Fingal Bay

Barbecue facilities

Barbecue facilities are located at Fingal Bay

Cafe/kiosk

Cafés are located at Fingal Bay surf life saving club

Carpark

Parking is available.

At Shoal Bay, free all-day parking is available along Shoal Bay Road and at the lower Zenith Beach carpark or upper Zenith beach carpark. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.

Parking is available at Fingal Bay along Marine Drive or at the back of Fingal Beach surf life saving club. Arrive early because this area is busy on weekends and in summer.

Drinking water

Drinking water is available at Fingal Bay surf life saving club

Showers

Beach shower facilities are available Fingal Bay surf life saving club

  • Cold showers

Maps and downloads

Safety messages

Check the weather forecast before you set out and be sure to pack clothes for all conditions. You'll be walking along sections of exposed coastline so if there's a summer storm or strong winter winds you need to be prepared.

You’ll also want to check the tide times because you might need to be prepared to walk across the top of beaches if it’s high tide.

This walk is suitable for first time multi-day walkers and families with older children.

Beach safety

Beaches in this park are not patrolled, and can sometimes have strong rips and currents. These beach safety tips will help you and your family stay safe in the water.

Bushwalking safety

If you're keen to head out on a longer walk or a backpack camp, always be prepared. Read these bushwalking safety tips before you set off on a walking adventure in national parks.

Fire safety

During periods of fire weather, the Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service may declare a total fire ban for particular NSW fire areas, or statewide. Learn more about total fire bans and fire safety.

Water activities

Beaches, rivers and lakes in NSW national parks offer lots of opportunities for water activities. Please take care in the water and find out how to help your family and friends stay safe around water.

Accessibility

Disability access level - no wheelchair access

Prohibited

Pets

Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.

Smoking

NSW national parks are no smoking areas.

Shoal Bay to Fingal Bay walking track

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